From Our Correspondent, CHATTOGRAM: Private inland container depot (off-dock) owners have withdrawn their previously announced “undeclared strike” following concrete assurances from the Chattogram Port Authority and Customs authorities. The development has eased concerns over a potential disruption in the country’s export supply chain.
The decision came after an emergency meeting held on Wednesday (10 December) between senior officials of the Chattogram Port Authority, Customs, and leaders of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA).
Confirming the development, Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Omar Faruk said the off-dock owners agreed to suspend their programme for the next one month. “As a result, operations at both the port and the depots will continue normally,” he added.
Background and Reasons
For a long time, off-dock operators have been demanding an increase in container-handling and service tariffs. They argue that operational expenses have risen sharply due to higher fuel prices and global economic factors, yet tariff adjustments have not been made in line with these increased costs.
Failing to secure what they termed “reasonable” tariff revisions, depot owners announced an undeclared strike starting Thursday (11 December) at 6 am. As part of the programme, they warned of a complete shutdown of handling operations for export cargo containers as well as empty containers.
Had the strike gone ahead, it could have caused a major setback for Bangladesh’s export sector. Nearly 90 percent of export goods shipped through Chattogram Port are processed and loaded via private off-docks. In addition, 38 categories of imported goods are also released from these depots.
Decisions at the Meeting
In Wednesday’s meeting, port authorities reassured depot owners that the tariff-increase issue would be reviewed rationally. Based on this assurance, BICDA leaders agreed to postpone their programme for one month. According to sources, if the demands are not met within this period, a new course of action may follow.
